Stalled while driving and now cranks, but does not start

CNICKELS

MEMBER
1998 MERCURY MYSTIQUE
2.0L
4 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
115,000 MILES

I have driven the car for about a year and not the first problem. I drove it yesterday couple times with no issues. The last trip it started as normal with no issues, drove about 1/4 mile and it just died as if the power shut off with no chugs or odd noises. Just dead. Put in neutral and coasted to wide spot and attempted to restart. All lights etc were normal and the engine will turn but not start. I had 1/2 tank gas, switched battery same thing and tapped on started to no avail is all I could think of to do on the spot. Any suggestions?

3 Replies

CARADIODOC

MECHANIC
33,727 POSTS

This is typical of a failed crankshaft position sensor or camshaft position sensor. The place to start is by having the diagnostic fault codes read and recorded. Those will indicate the circuit or system that needs further diagnosis. If you can get the car to an auto parts store, the people at many of them will read the codes for you for free. Only Chrysler has a way to do that yourself. For other brands, you need a code reader or a scanner.

You must also check for spark and for fuel pressure, but it is important to understand that you must check for both even when you find one missing. The big majority of no-starts are caused by one of those failed sensors, and that will result in a loss of fuel pressure AND spark. If you are missing just spark OR fuel pressure, that is when it is appropriate to diagnose just that system.